Canada ranks second in happiness among G7 nations, trailing only countries within the European Union according to the latest World Happiness Report (WHR) of 2024.
Annually, Gallup, the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network of the United Nations (UN), and the World Happiness Report’s Editorial Board collaborate to publish the World Happiness Report.
This study, which is scheduled for release in 2024, measures people’s happiness in over 140 countries by taking a “three-year average” of what the World Health Organization refers to as “life evaluations.” It also explores the happiness that people experience throughout generations and life stages and offers an overall happiness index for every country that takes into account all age groups.
According to the WHR, life assessments are based on data collected from the Gallup World Poll. In this survey, respondents are asked to rate their overall quality of life on a ladder-like scale, with 10 representing the best possible life at the top and 0 representing the worst possible life at the bottom.
In particular, alongside its general rankings, the report categorizes each country’s populace into four distinct groups:
- The Youth: Individuals under 30 years of age.
- Lower Middle: Individuals aged between 30 and 44 years.
- Upper Middle: Individuals aged between 45 and 59 years.
- The Elderly: Individuals aged 60 years and above.
Canada’s Ranking Among G7 Nations – A Comparative Analysis
Global Affairs Canada states that the Group of Seven, or G7, is made up of seven of the most developed economies in the world. Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union are all members of this coalition.
Overall rankings
Canada ranks second out of all G7 countries in the 2024 World Happiness Report (WHR) for total happiness across all age categories. Canada’s ranking, outperforming all other G7 members, is as follows:
- United Kingdom: 20th in overall happiness
- United States: 23rd in overall happiness
- Germany: 24th in overall happiness
- France: 27th in overall happiness
- Italy: 41st in overall happiness
- Japan: 51st in overall happiness
Rankings categorized by age group
Within the G7, here are the rankings for Canada in each of the specified age groups/generations:
- For the age group under 30 years f cgold, Canada placed 5th out of 7 among the G7 countries, surpassing only the US and Japan.
- Among individuals aged between 30 and 44 years old, Canada secured the 4th position out of 7 within the G7, ranking higher than Italy, the US, and Japan.
- In the age group ranging from 45 to 59 years old, Canada attained the 2nd spot out of 7 among the G7 countries, trailing behind certain EU nations including Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
- For individuals aged 60 years and above, Canada once again obtained the 2nd position out of 7 within the G7. In this category, Canada was only behind certain EU countries such as Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
Comparison of Canada’s 2024 WHR Ranking with its 2023 U.S. News Ranking
Although various publications employ disparate methodologies and criteria for their country rankings, Canada’s ranking as the second-best country worldwide by U.S. News’ Best Countries for 2023 coincides with its ranking as one of the happiest G7 nations, as per the WHR 2024.
Canada was the only country behind Switzerland overall in the previous year’s U.S. News rating. In addition, Canada ranked in the top seven of 87 nations in nearly half of the ten subcategories that U.S. News examined. In particular, Canada’s ranking was as follows:
- Canada attained the 2nd position for Agility.
- It secured the 2nd spot for starting a career and racial equality.
- Canada achieved the 3rd position for Quality of Life.
- It ranked 4th for Social Purpose and education.
- In terms of women’s issues, Canada placed 6th.
- It also stood 6th for pursuing a comfortable retirement and among the most transparent countries.
- Additionally, Canada ranked 7th for studying abroad and raising kids.
U.S. News defines agility as a nation’s ability to overcome challenges and react, suggesting that these countries are seen as being very flexible.
As far as U.S. News is concerned, social purpose is the capacity of the populace to come together in support of issues that they firmly believe in. These are thought to be the most progressive, tolerant, and socially conscious countries.
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